PROGRAMS IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION
salemstate.edu/graduate
Salem State University offers a variety of graduate programs in mathematics education designed to meet the needs of aspiring and practicing teachers seeking Massachusetts state teaching license preparation in middle grades or secondary mathematics and advanced study in math and pedagogy.
INITIAL LICENSURE PROGRAMS These Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) approved programs include a core of pedagogy coursework, a sequence of math methods courses and a student teaching practicum experience. Upon completing one of these programs, the student receives an initial license in either Math 5–8 or Math 8–12, as appropriate. Note that if a student in one of these programs is currently the teacher of record in a classroom of the desired grade band of licensure, then the practicum may be able to be completed in that classroom.
MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING MATHEMATICS–INITIAL LICENSURE This program is designed for current or aspiring high school mathematics teachers. Successful applicants will have an undergraduate major in mathematics or a closely related subject (and if not, consult the program coordinator; some undergraduate mathematics courses might need to be taken to qualify for admission). The program includes the curriculum of the licensure certificate program along with four graduate courses in mathematics to be selected in consultation with your program advisor.
MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING MIDDLE SCHOOL MATHEMATICS–INITIAL LICENSURE This program is designed for current or aspiring middle school mathematics teachers. In contrast to the MAT Math program, applicants need not have majored in mathematics to qualify for admission. The program includes the curriculum of the licensure certificate program along with four graduate courses in middle school mathematics to be selected in consultation with your program advisor.
TEACHER OF MATHEMATICS INITIAL LICENSURE CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS (5–8 OR 8–12) This program is designed for individuals who already hold a master’s degree in mathematics and seek an initial license. Many students who enter this program already teach middle or high school mathematics with a provisional license.
NON-LICENSURE/PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE PROGRAMS These 30-credit master’s degree programs are designed for mathematics educators who either already hold initial licensure or are not seeking licensure. The programs include subject matter courses, advanced pedagogy courses and a capstone experience. Students entering these programs include teachers with initial licenses seeking to advance to a professional license, teachers at private schools who do not require licenses, those aspiring to work as math coaches and those who work in teachingrelated fields such as tutoring and educational publishing.
MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING MATHEMATICS–ADVANCED STUDIES This program consists of coursework in mathematics, mathematics education, advanced pedagogy and a capstone course. The degree program satisfies DESE’s requirements for a master’s degree to be used for a professional license in Math 8–12.
MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING MIDDLE SCHOOL MATHEMATICS–ADVANCED STUDIES This program consists of coursework in middle school mathematics, mathematics education, advanced pedagogy and a capstone course. The degree program satisfies DESE’s requirements for a master’s degree to be used for a professional license in Math 5–8.
FINDING THE RIGHT TEACHER LICENSURE PATHWAY FOR YOU For those interested in teaching licenses, the table below outlines the DESE requirements for each level and the associated Salem State program that can help you earn that license.
LEVEL OF LICENSURE
DESE REQUIREMENTS*
PROGRAM AT SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY
Provisional license
Passing scores on the MTEL (both the Communication/ Literacy and the subject area portions) and a bachelor’s degree (in any subject).
No program necessary
Initial license
Completion of a DESEapproved licensure program, which includes subject-area coursework or equivalent evidence of subject mastery, pedagogy courses and a student teaching practicum
Professional license
Three years of teaching with an initial license and a master’s degree with at least 12 credits in the subject area of licensure
Teacher of Mathematics Initial Licensure Certificate program (for those already holding a master’s degree) (5–8 and 8–12) MAT Mathematics (8–12) MAT Middle School Mathematics (5–8)
MAT Mathematics–Advanced Studies (8–12) MAT Middle School Mathematics– Advanced Studies (5–8)
*Subject to change please see DESE website for the most accurate information. https://www.doe.mass.edu/licensure/
COST For Massachusetts residents, each credit costs $492.60,* which includes tuition and fees. For non-Massachusetts residents, each credit costs $593.50.* For assistance funding your graduate education, options may include financial aid, graduate assistantships, employer reimbursement, tuition remission, or veteran’s benefits. To learn more about funding your graduate education, please visit salemstate.edu/graduate/funding. *Tuition and fees are subject to change. For more information on costs, please visit salemstate.edu/tuition.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS PROGRAM
TRANSCRIPT REQUIREMENTS
LETTERS OF REFERENCE
PERSONAL STATEMENT
MAT Mathematics– Advanced
Bachelor's degree in this subject area or appropriate field
2
Yes
N/A
MAT Mathematics– Initial
Bachelor's degree in this subject area or appropriate field.
2
Yes
N/A
MAT Middle School Math– Advanced
Bachelor's degree
2
Yes
Copy of initial educator license in the field of the professional license sought
MAT Middle School Math–Initial
Bachelor's degree
2
Yes
N/A
Teacher of Mathematics Licensure only
Bachelor's degree
2
Yes
Copy of a provisional license in the field of mathematics
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
Apply: salemstate.edu/apply Financial Aid: salemstate.edu/finaid Email: gradadmissions@salemstate.edu Phone: 978.542.6200 For accommodations and access information, visit salemstate.edu/access.